Graduating Seniors Q&A: Hobbs, Olsen, Santos, Jack and Short to be celebrated on Friday

Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Four of five Griffins women's hockey graduating seniors were part of the inaugural team that kicked off the program's Canada West era in 2021.

They will be known as the class that was a key part of the Griffins gaining a foothold in the conference.

Claire Hobbs, Sydney Olsen, Rian Santos, Sydney Jack and Robyn Short will be feted in a pre-game ceremony prior to the Griffins' final home game of 2025-26 – Friday vs. Alberta (7 p.m., Dowtown Community Arena). Their last contest of the season will be on the road Saturday at the Pandas (5 p.m., Clare Drake Arena, both Canada West TV).

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR FRIDAY HERE (MacEwan students are free)

"Four of them were from that inaugural group," said Griffins head coach Chris Leeming of Hobbs, Olsen, Santos and Short. "I'm sure they came in not really knowing what to expect because it's a big jump. It's also exciting to be part of something like that."

Jack joined the group of seniors as a transfer out of Olds College in 2023, playing her final two seasons at MacEwan.

"They've all contributed in their own way," said Leeming. "They've had positive contributions in their own way because they've set the standard and elevated it. They continue to push it every year for future classes so that they know what it takes to compete at this level and what you need to do as a person to take care of yourself every single day. 

"It is a demanding experience for a student-athlete at this level, and they've proven hard work, commitment and determination with those things you can be successful here no matter where you come from. I feel grateful to have been able to coach them because they've had that positive impact on the growth of this program and have set us up for what's to come in the next handful of years."

Enjoy a Q&A below with each graduating senior:

Claire Hobbs is on track to join an exclusive group of Griffins student-athletes who've been U SPORTS Academic All Canadians five times (Taylor Lafond photo).

CLAIRE HOBBS

Chris Leeming's coach's quote: 

"I think Chobby's one of the people that just loves hockey. She's a big (Boston) Bruins fan and she's someone you can always have a conversation with about skill breakdowns. She really comprehends that stuff because she's a student of the game. Also, she's a great student and is getting recognition all five years as an Academic All Canadian, contributing to that academic standard that we strive for with our program. 

"I think she's a good person in the dressing room. She's been able to grow in that area, too. I know she has high standards for herself. She's learned to show that love for the game by enjoying it. I think that's when she's at her best. I'm proud of the growth that she's shown."

Q&A with Claire Hobbs:

What are you going to be graduating with and when?

"I'll be graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in management and minor in legal studies and I'll be done in the spring."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"I've always wanted to be a physiotherapist, so I've just applied to the Masters of Physiotherapy program at the U of A."

Do you have plans to keep playing hockey?

"Nothing competitive. I think my body could use a break. But I've been coaching some spring hockey for a while now and I really love that. Probably looking to get more involved with coaching year round."

Who are you coaching with?

"It's called Catalyst Hockey YYC."

What are some of your favourite memories over your time with the Griffins?

"On the ice, definitely my first Canada West goal and then also beating U of A for the first time this past December. Off the ice, any road trip is always a great time. There was actually one last year where we were in Regina and we had a comeback win, but there was a snowstorm on Saturday, so we got stuck there for the night. We all just got together and just hung out in one of the rooms, played some games. That was really fun just hanging out in the hotel with my teammates, not having the pressure of playing a game the next day."

Do you remember who you scored your first goal against? It must have been in your rookie season.

"Yeah. It was actually against Regina."

You've been very successful in the classroom with four U SPORTS Academic All Canadians so far and you're probably on track for a fifth, which would join a select group of Griffins student-athletes numbering less than 20 who've ever accomplished that. What does academic excellence mean to you?

"It definitely means a lot. It's a privilege to be a student-athlete and I find people get wrapped up in the athletic side of things, but the academic side is far more important. I've always taken pride in my grades. Thankfully, my brother (Cam) was a really great role model in that department, so I was always chasing him to do just as well or better – you know that competitive side of me."

What do you think your legacy is – what do you want to be remembered for as you leave the program?

"I would say my resilience. I've been through a lot in my five years here. No matter what I was going through, I've tried to be a good teammate, work hard, always just keep smiling. Also, just my love for the game. I hope I was able to share that with my teammates over the years."

You were part of the first Canada West season for the program, along with three of your fellow seniors. What's it been like to grow with them?

"It's awesome. We all got to experience the first of everything. We got to win the first Canada West game for MacEwan and beat every team for the first time. It's definitely a lot of memories that I'll always have. I had a great group of girls to do it with, so it was a lot of fun."

Is there anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

"Just a lot of gratitude. I'm lucky enough to be able to play all five years here and just to play the sport pretty much as far as you can go, apart from the professional level, is a huge accomplishment. I've met some pretty incredible people along the way who I know I'll be friends for life with."

As captain of the Griffins for the past two seasons, Sydney Olsen has led the way in everything from on ice play to fitness testing to academics to community service (Taylor Lafond photo).

SYDNEY OLSEN

Chris Leeming's coach's quote: 

"Syd is just so determined and has an immeasurable work ethic. She's led our team in fitness standards every year. Academically, she's received an AAC all five years here. Being in our leadership group for the past three years, our captain for the last two, there's been tremendous growth in that area. She's always someone who just led by example with her work ethic and drive. We've really seen her become more vocal, which has helped her lead even more effectively at the end of the day. She's also one of our top community service volunteers. She's involved in everything. She does a phenomenal job leading by example. You give her something to do and she can just pick it up really quick because she's so attentive to detail. 

"When things are maybe not going very well for us, you can always count on her to give that second or third effort. That's huge for (younger players) just to see that consistently every single day. It's been a big boost to our group to have her."

Q&A with Sydney Olsen:

What are you going to be graduating with and when?

"I'll be graduating this semester with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Psychology, minoring in Biology."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"I do. My goal is to become a Physiotherapist, so I'll be going back to school for my Master's degree in that field."

Do you have any plans to keep playing hockey?

"Yeah, I do. I don't have anything finalized yet, but I hope to play a season overseas in Europe next year before I head back to school, so I'll see how that all works out. That's the goal."

Any particular country or are you keeping your options open?

"My options are open at this point, but I think if I could have my pick of any place to go it would probably be Austria. I think that would be super cool, but we'll see what happens."

You've had the honour of being the captain for two seasons. What has that meant to you?

"It's been a privilege to lead this group. I just hope over the two years I've had the opportunity to do it that I represented my teammates well. I really hope they felt supported and that I helped them grow just as much as they did that for me. I'm just really grateful to all of them for putting their trust in me and I'm hopeful that I'm able to leave this program in a better spot than where I found it."

What are some of your favourite memories over your time with the Griffins?

"There's so many, but I think some of my favourites have to be our Senior Nights. Our team's always been super close and being a part of that night every single year, seeing the way the group supports and celebrates each other, I think is really special."

Like Claire, you're a four-time U SPORTS Academic All Canadian. Assuming you're on track for five this year, you'd join an exclusive group of less than 20 Griffins who've accomplished that. What has academic excellence meant to you?

"I think that's really important to me – the student part of the student-athlete. We've put a lot of work into it over the years, so seeing that pay off is super, super special and I think it's important to role model that for some of our younger players, too, that it's possible to be successful in both areas."

What is your legacy with the program? What would you like to be remembered for?

"I just hope my teammates over the past five years know how much I cared about this team and about this group. I'd like to be remembered for how hard that I worked and tried to raise the standard for the team and also being someone who is a good teammate, willing to speak up and put the team first."

You were a part of the very first U SPORTS team for MacEwan. What has that meant to grow right from the beginning of the program's Canada West era?

"It was a special experience, and while we may not have achieved the results we had hoped for in our first five years, in a lot of ways, I believe we've built a strong foundation for future success, which is something that I am proud of."

Do you have anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

"I guess I just want to say thank you again. I'm incredibly grateful for the time I spent at MacEwan – all the people that I met and the opportunity that I've had. It's really shaped me as a person. I've made some of my best friends here and I have some of my favourite memories, so I'll always be thankful for that."

Rian Santos made the team as a walk-on in 2021 and is enjoying her best season in 2025-26 as a huge offensive driver for the Griffins, leading the team in shots (Taylor Lafond photo).

RIAN SANTOS

Chris Leeming's coach's quote:

"She sets a really great example. She made the team as a walk on and here she is having played all five years and contributing in major ways for us – on the penalty kill, the powerplay and five-on-five. I think it's a testament to her tenacious style of play and her commitment to growth. She's improved every single year and taken the feedback that we've given her. It's awesome to see that and I think it's a really cool story to know the steps that she's taken. 

"As one of the older players on the team she really leads by example on the ice for us, and academically. This will be her third year with Academic All Canadian recognition. It's really great to have those older senior players pulling from the top and bringing people along the way with them."

Q&A with Rian Santos:

What are you going to be graduating with and when?

"I'm graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in management and a minor in human resource management."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"Not currently."

Do you have plans to keep playing hockey?

"Not right now."

You were a very high-level soccer player as well and even played with some of the players who are on the Griffins women's soccer team. You chose to play hockey for university. What has that path been like for you?

"Honestly, I don't regret that choice. I think Edmonton and Canada has a great hockey culture, so being able to also be an athlete year round playing games, just with a little bit of a longer schedule is nice – definitely gruelling and demanding but one I can look back on and enjoy."

Fair to say this season might have been the best of your five years. What has stood out about your last year at MacEwan?

"It's been great to leave it all out there in my last year. I feel like it's a culmination of all the years put together and all the hard work I've put into the program, so it's nice to see me reach a higher level this year."

What are some of your favourite memories that stand out from your time with the Griffins?

"I guess a couple that come to mind are probably scoring my first Canada West goal at UBC was a highlight. And honestly all the road trips and bus trips with my teammates just bonding and getting to know one another are a couple memories I won't forget."

What do you think your legacy is with the Griffins? What are you leaving to the program?

"The legacy I hope I'm leaving is to be the best teammate I could be and making an impact in all my teammates' lives, playing hard every game and being a reliable player and teammate on and off the ice."

How special was it be a part of the very first U SPORTS team?

"That's another great memory to bring up. I'm glad I got to be a part of that first year in U SPORTS. We've stuck together and leaned on each other throughout these five years. It's kind of crazy how fast it's been. It's nice to have friends for life who have experienced these five years together."

Do you have anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

"Nothing too profound. It's been great being a Griffin and I'm glad I made the choice to come to MacEwan University. It's definitely going to be something I'll look back on as a great experience."

Sydney Jack transferred to the Griffins from Olds College in 2023 and is enjoying a solid final season of eligibility in 2025-26, leading MacEwan in scoring (Taylor Lafond photo).

SYDNEY JACK

Chris Leeming's coach's quote: 

"She cut her teeth at Olds College and she's somebody who's taken substantial steps in her game overall. She's a great skater, she's super competitive and just an overall phenomenal human being at the end of the day. That was one of the reasons I wanted her to come in and be a part of this program is I knew she'd be able to add value. She's driven to do that for other people, too – making their experience better and grow. 

"She's an awesome kid. I've been able to watch her grow over the last six years and I think she's added a lot to the Griffins' program overall. I can't say enough good things about her. I've known her for a handful of years now and she's impressed me every single year. She's going to be missed."

Q&A with Sydney Jack:

What are you going to be graduating with and when?

"I'm going to be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, but I still have a year left because I transferred from Olds College."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"Yes, I want to be a teacher."

Do you have plans to keep playing hockey?

"I hope to. I'm just in the process to see if I can get over to Sweden just like (older sister) Jesse (Jack) did. It's not finalized, but I'm hoping to."

You followed in your sister's footsteps in that you went to Olds like her before transferring to the Griffins. What was that like coming into the program after her?

"It's her who made me want to come here. Being able to see her play at this level, the success she had and how much fun she was having here just made me want to pursue coming here, too. I'm really glad I did for my last two years."

You're also having lots of success like she did. You're leading the team in scoring this season. Is that something you thought you'd be able to do coming here?

"I never really thought of myself having the most points. Last year, I don't think I even scored a goal, so coming into this year, that's something I wanted to focus on – being more of a difference maker for the team. I've tried to work really hard at that and I've had some success, so that's made me happy to do that in my last year."

What are some of your favourite memories over your time with the Griffins?

"Probably last year when we got to go to the Hockey Day in Canmore and play a game there with a full house. Just getting to experience that would probably be one of them. This year, we got to travel a lot more – we went to B.C. three times and got to go to Manitoba. So, getting to go on those trips with the team made us all closer and we also had lots of fun."

What do you think your legacy with the team is? What would you like to be remembered for?

"I'd like to be remembered as a really hard-working player and one that leads by example. Always willing to put in the work, I guess."

Is there anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

"I'm just really happy Chris gave me the opportunity to come up here and come from the ACAC to play U SPORTS. It's been amazing. I'm sad it's over, but I'm really happy I got to experience this."

Robyn Short has been a key part of the Griffins' leadership group with her on-ice play as a steady two-way blue liner doing lots of the talking (Taylor Lafond photo).

ROBYN SHORT

Chris Leeming's coach's quote: 

"Robyn is the only remaining person from the first official recruit class before COVID derailed that first season (2020-21). Her and Syd Jack are our two sixth years. She's somebody that's committed to doing the right things every single day. She's great in the dressing room, she's great with her teammates. She's super compassionate and always supports her teammates. 

"Her game's really elevated as well. She's a phenomenal skater and she's started to apply that to her game play. It's helped her to defend better and be on offence better. I think she's built a ton of confidence. Her overall game has grown because of that. I think that's a big thing for her is I've just watched the confidence grow. Also being part of the leadership (group) the last handful of years – being vocal, leading by example, bringing people along with her, that's been a really huge contribution from Robyn."

Q&A with Robyn Short:

What are you going to be graduating with and when?

"I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree with a Psych major and a business studies minor in the spring."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"I actually just got the job title as Sport Coordinator with Special Olympics Alberta. For the past four summers, I was their summer student. I've worked with a whole bunch of amazing people there and did a whole bunch of volunteering with them as well. So, I finally just got a permanent position with them that will start as soon as I'm done school here, so I'm really excited for that. Beyond that, I'm going to try and complete by CPSS certification, which is Certified Performance Sports Scientist. I'm hoping to come out with a certification that will allow me to be some sort of strength and conditioning specialist with elite athletes."

How much did you pick up from Amber (Wardrop) and Melissa (Lowe, our two Strength and Conditioning Specialists over your tenure at MacEwan)?

"Oh gosh, I'm just trying to take in as much as I can from them. They've both done a phenomenal job with our program, so I'm hoping I can work alongside them one day, actually."

Do you have any plans to keep playing hockey?

"I would love to, I really would. I think going to play somewhere in Europe would be absolutely phenomenal. I've been thinking about it. Haven't really put anything into action too much yet, but I definitely want to continue being a power skating instructor. If I can get over to Switzerland, I think that would be one of the coolest places to play hockey. We'll see what's in the cards."

Are you working with someone as a power skating instructor?

"I've done a little bit with a few different groups. I started out with Serdachny and every year I continue with Chris Joseph's hockey school. I've also had the pleasure of working with St. Benedict's Hockey Academy and a little bit with STM Hockey Academy. Hopefully, I can continue that and maybe start my own power skating school. If I can join that up with the strength and conditioning certification I was looking into, everything can tie together at some point."

What are some of your favourite memories over your time with the Griffins?

"The first one is being able to play with some of the players that I grew up watching, who played with my sister (Ali, like Natalie Bender and Kyrelle Skoye). It felt like a little piece of me was getting to play post-secondary hockey with my sister through them. That was one of the coolest parts because my rookie season they really just took me in and made it feel immediately like home here with the Griffins. That was first and foremost the best memory I could take out of this. The second is obviously the friendships that I made that are going to last a lifetime. Not to mention just being able to have my family at all of the home games. Being local, having my family come to all of the home games has been amazing. It makes every game that much more special. Being able to look up in the stands and see your family supporting you is pretty cool."

What do you want to be remembered for over your time with the Griffins?

"Hopefully just someone who truly cares about my teammates, about the game – truly puts everything they have into making those around them better. I hope that's the biggest thing people take away is how I was as a teammate and how much effort I put into being a good teammate before anything else."

Do you have anything else you'd like to say about your time with the Griffins?

"It's been an amazing six years. It's pretty cool to be a part of the first team in U SPORTS for Griffins women's hockey, so that's something special that I'll never forget. The people I've come across in my time here have really changed my life for the better. I've learned something from each and every one of them that I'll take with me. It's been an amazing character-building experience to be a part of the Griffs."